UK General Election 2024: The Results & Aftermath

[dangie]

I got Spain in the office sweepstake, so ...

That's ok, you'll still get something for runners-up

 

[Noddy]

26 December - Scotland has 2 January instead.

The August bank holiday in Scotland is earlier in the month than the English one.

That’s not right, Scotland also has the 26th Dec as a Bank holiday:

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2024 Scottish bank holiday dates​

2024 date	Day of the week	Holiday
1 January 2024	Monday	New Year's Day
2 January 2024	Tuesday	2nd January
29 March 2024	Friday	Good Friday
6 May 2024	Monday	Early May
27 May 2024	Monday	Spring
5 August 2024	Monday	Summer
2 December 2024 (substitute day)	Monday	St Andrew's Day
25 December 2024	Wednesday	Christmas Day
26 December 2024	Thursday	Boxing Day

Scottish bank holiday dates

Scottish bank holiday dates for 2026. Includes past dates.

www.gov.scot

I’ve no idea what ‘substitute’ day means though-perhaps you swap it for one of the others…

 

[DarloRich]

From the BBC website:
’The Liberal Democrats have called for an extra bank holiday if England win [the Euro’s]
Thank goodness the Liberal Democrats never got, or hopefully get, into power. Totally bonkers.

seems alright to me. Non one will have to deliver on it!

That‘s the point. The 2003 world cup was won, IIRC at about 1100 Saturday. Sunday was for recovery.

i watched that. Some fella won it by kicking the ball. All that cheating and making a new sport because you were rubbish at football and the greatest event in that new sport was delivered via footballing skill.

 

[JamesT]

That’s not right, Scotland also has the 26th Dec as a Bank holiday:

---

2024 Scottish bank holiday dates​

2024 date	Day of the week	Holiday
1 January 2024	Monday	New Year's Day
2 January 2024	Tuesday	2nd January
29 March 2024	Friday	Good Friday
6 May 2024	Monday	Early May
27 May 2024	Monday	Spring
5 August 2024	Monday	Summer
2 December 2024 (substitute day)	Monday	St Andrew's Day
25 December 2024	Wednesday	Christmas Day
26 December 2024	Thursday	Boxing Day

Scottish bank holiday dates

Scottish bank holiday dates for 2026. Includes past dates.

www.gov.scot

I’ve no idea what ‘substitute’ day means though-perhaps you swap it for one of the others…

St Andrew’s Day is the 30th of November, which this year is a Saturday. Therefore the 2nd being a Monday is the substitute.

 

[takno]

That’s not right, Scotland also has the 26th Dec as a Bank holiday:

---

2024 Scottish bank holiday dates​

2024 date	Day of the week	Holiday
1 January 2024	Monday	New Year's Day
2 January 2024	Tuesday	2nd January
29 March 2024	Friday	Good Friday
6 May 2024	Monday	Early May
27 May 2024	Monday	Spring
5 August 2024	Monday	Summer
2 December 2024 (substitute day)	Monday	St Andrew's Day
25 December 2024	Wednesday	Christmas Day
26 December 2024	Thursday	Boxing Day

Scottish bank holiday dates

Scottish bank holiday dates for 2026. Includes past dates.

www.gov.scot

I’ve no idea what ‘substitute’ day means though-perhaps you swap it for one of the others…

That list appears to be some misleading feel-good guff that ScotGov put out so that we can all feel blessed. There's a more accurate list on gov.uk somewhere.

Boxing Day isn't a bank holiday in Scotland, and St Andrew's is a weird thing that is simultaneously declared by the Scottish government but doesn't even have the diminished legal status the other holidays do. Given the difference from England and Wales, the lower legal status of all the holidays, the weird local holidays and everything else, most of the time nobody really knows if they're supposed to have a holiday or not.

 

[nw1]

That list appears to be some misleading feel-good guff that ScotGov put out so that we can all feel blessed. There's a more accurate list on gov.uk somewhere.

Boxing Day isn't a bank holiday in Scotland, and St Andrew's is a weird thing that is simultaneously declared by the Scottish government but doesn't even have the diminished legal status the other holidays do. Given the difference from England and Wales, the lower legal status of all the holidays, the weird local holidays and everything else, most of the time nobody really knows if they're supposed to have a holiday or not.

Never knew Boxing Day wasn't a bank holiday in Scotland.

In practice, do many people in "traditional office jobs" actually go into work on Boxing Day or is it a de-facto holiday?

Presumably Christmas Day is less significant than Hogmanay in Scotland, as people would have to moderate their habits, so to speak, in the knowledge they might have to go into work the following day.

Does the railway run a full Mon-Fri service on Boxing Day north of the border? Was this the case in BR days?

 

[birchesgreen]

Anyway we've survived one week of the new regime.

 

[DynamicSpirit]

What exactly would be wrong with one extra bank holiday?

When is this bank holiday going to happen? If you're talking about a permanent one, then it might not be a bad idea to think about another one - if we spend some time planning it properly. But a bank holiday created on the hoof to celebrate that England won the Euros in 2024 is a totally rubbish reason for it (It might be hot and topical today, but how's that going to look in 20 year's time?) Besides, if we set the precedent that winning a European sporting competition gives a new bank holiday, what's going to happen if we win the Euros again in a few years' time? Or the World cup? Or any other big tournament? Plus there are already lots of bank holidays in spring/early summer. August-December is the problem period when we are lacking bank holidays.

So the idea only makes sense if Ed Davey is talking about a one-off bank holiday to happen now-ish, so presumably in a week or two's time, when the win is still hot news. Now imagine you're a business employing 300 people and with supply chains and customers to worry about. You're suddenly told by the Government that you have to give all your employees an extra holiday in 2 weeks' time that you hadn't planned for and none of your employees had planned for. How do you think that's going to work? It'd be utter chaos. How on Earth for example will the railways or the airlines be able to cope?

 

[birchesgreen]

Yes i was wondering about when, you can't really call a bank holiday at about 10pm for the next day! And in a week's time seems pointless. I suspect it will come to nothing even if we do win.

 

[Mag_seven]

Yes i was wondering about when, you can't really call a bank holiday at about 10pm for the next day! And in a week's time seems pointless. I suspect it will come to nothing even if we do win.

Its just Ed Davey showboating - the Lib Dems are irrelevant in the face of Labour's huge majority. There won't be an extra bank holiday.

 

[birchesgreen]

Its just Ed Davey showboating - the Lib Dems are irrelevant in the face of Labour's huge majority. There won't be an extra bank holiday.

To be fair, Starmer did the same a few years ago. Easy way to get some attention, especially while the actual opposition party are entering the rats in a sack stage.

 

[dangie]

Its just Ed Davey showboating - the Lib Dems are irrelevant in the face of Labour's huge majority. There won't be an extra bank holiday.

Agree, it’s just political point scoring. Suggest something that the general population will go along with, in the knowledge that the government either won’t or can’t support. It’s how politics work in this country.

 

[DynamicSpirit]

Its just Ed Davey showboating - the Lib Dems are irrelevant in the face of Labour's huge majority. There won't be an extra bank holiday.

I agree, I'm sure that's what it is. But I still find it disappointing: I understand that political parties want publicity, but I want a political party that aspires to Government - or even to replace the opposition - to take running the country seriously and actually think about what they are proposing. Pushing for things that it takes about 30 seconds of reflection to realise are completely impractical does not inspire confidence.

 

[ainsworth74]

I think a World Cup win would be a bank holiday worthy occasion (you would presumably schedule it the same time as a victory parade through London) but, whilst I'm obviously hoping we win on Sunday(!), I'm not entirely convinced the Euros is extra bank holiday territory. I do think as @DynamicSpirit that there's some merit in thinking about an extra permanent bank holiday. In England & Wales it does feel like quite slog from the end of August Bank holiday to Christmas. something in the October period (Trafalgar day perhaps ) might be nice.

Anyway we've survived one week of the new regime.

Yes but only by the barest of margins! I've had to dodge the roaming gangs of Red Guards in the new Labour constituency of Redcar every morning trying to get to and from home. People vanishing into the backs of vans never to be seen again! Starmer's supermajority taking immediate terrifying effect.

(Though perhaps I've been reading too many Daily Telegraph columnists )

 

[AlterEgo]

From the BBC website:
’The Liberal Democrats have called for an extra bank holiday if England win [the Euro’s]
Thank goodness the Liberal Democrats never got, or hopefully get, into power. Totally bonkers.

Brits are the only people who would argue against another, one-off, public holiday. A uniquely miserable people. This is such an instructive take on why Britain is how it is - just wilful immiseration.

Every European country except the Netherlands has more standard public holidays than we do (we have only 8). Yes, I would like another public holiday.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Jul 2024 ==

I agree, I'm sure that's what it is. But I still find it disappointing: I understand that political parties want publicity, but I want a political party that aspires to Government - or even to replace the opposition - to take running the country seriously and actually think about what they are proposing. Pushing for things that it takes about 30 seconds of reflection to realise are completely impractical does not inspire confidence.

These things - snap public holidays - happen all around the world perfectly normally and the world doesn't fall apart.

Jersey declared one for 15 July to coincide with the King's visit. Just a one-off event.

 

[infobleep]

I think it is OK to mention this now, as I don't believe previous days of the BBC News, Downing Street Live Feed, can be publicly watched again, on the days after its broadcast.

The BBC currently are in the middle of a two-week live stream covering the front door of 10 Downing Street. They have two cameras. This includes sound. One just points at 10 Downing Street front door and rhe other is a wider angle shot.

Earlier this week, when all the media were there, you could hear some of the nearby interviews. The camera focused on just 10 Downing Street was next to the Sky News camera so you could hear their interviews.

At one point they were interviewing one of the regional mayors. It was a two-way with Kate Burley in their studio.

Someone was coordinating it outside number 10. Now following the interview, they agreed with the Mayor to take down their mobile number.

Needless to say, this was fully audible via the BBC Live Stream and anyone watching or even rewinding amd watching it delayed could have noted it down.

I've kept this as vague as this and I wanted until today to mention it, as didn't want anyone thinking I'll rewind the live stream and ring that number to see if it works.

Just goes to show how careful one needs to be when surrounded by multiple media organisations.

 

[AlterEgo]

I've kept this as vague as this and I wanted until today to mention it, as didn't want anyone thinking I'll rewind the live stream and ring that number to see if it works.

Why would you (or anyone?) ring someone's private number?

 

[birchesgreen]

Why would you ring someone's private number?

Exactly why do that, now writing it on the wall of a public toilet...

 

[infobleep]

Why would you ring someone's private number?

Well quiet but I reckon if I had noted down the number and then mentioned it on a public forum, someone might ring it. May be this public forum is to obscure and it would need to be X, formerly known as Twitter.

Apart from pranksters, there are scamers out there.

 

[takno]

Why would you (or anyone?) ring someone's private number?

Lots of people call me every day offering to fix my apparently-broken computer over the phone. I imagine such people would be falling over themselves to help fix the computer of an important mayor or minister. For the prestige, you understand.

 

[nw1]

When is this bank holiday going to happen? If you're talking about a permanent one, then it might not be a bad idea to think about another one - if we spend some time planning it properly. But a bank holiday created on the hoof to celebrate that England won the Euros in 2024 is a totally rubbish reason for it (It might be hot and topical today, but how's that going to look in 20 year's time?) Besides, if we set the precedent that winning a European sporting competition gives a new bank holiday, what's going to happen if we win the Euros again in a few years' time? Or the World cup? Or any other big tournament? Plus there are already lots of bank holidays in spring/early summer. August-December is the problem period when we are lacking bank holidays.

So the idea only makes sense if Ed Davey is talking about a one-off bank holiday to happen now-ish, so presumably in a week or two's time, when the win is still hot news. Now imagine you're a business employing 300 people and with supply chains and customers to worry about. You're suddenly told by the Government that you have to give all your employees an extra holiday in 2 weeks' time that you hadn't planned for and none of your employees had planned for. How do you think that's going to work? It'd be utter chaos. How on Earth for example will the railways or the airlines be able to cope?

I suspect not immediately. Perhaps in a couple of weeks, perhaps extending the August bank holiday by one day.

And I suspect it will be a one-off, not something that will occur every year.

In terms of winning football tournaments, well if it does happen on Sunday, that will be the first time since 1966.

 

[dangie]

These things - snap public holidays - happen all around the world perfectly normally and the world doesn't fall apart.

I’d like to see one in recognition of Mark Cavendish’s 35th Tour de France stage win breaking the long standing record held by Eddy Merckx.

Of course this ain’t gonna happen here in England, but in Cav’s native Isle of Man it might

 

[3141]

I think a World Cup win would be a bank holiday worthy occasion (you would presumably schedule it the same time as a victory parade through London) but, whilst I'm obviously hoping we win on Sunday(!), I'm not entirely convinced the Euros is extra bank holiday territory. I do think as @DynamicSpirit that there's some merit in thinking about an extra permanent bank holiday. In England & Wales it does feel like quite slog from the end of August Bank holiday to Christmas. something in the October period (Trafalgar day perhaps ) might be nice.

I think that was one reason why the August Bank Holiday, that used to be at the beginning of August, was moved to the end of the month as the Late Summer Bank Holiday.

A new bank holiday in the Autumn would best be in October, rather than in November when the weather is likely to be less pleasant.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Jul 2024 ==

Serious question - who on earth would want to run for leadership of the conservatives at the moment? Surely it is a toxic brand? Now in 10-15 years time perhaps.

I agree. I very much doubt whether whoever succeeds Sunak will still be the leader when the Conservatives next win an election.

The I yesterday had three articles about the leadership. One said the Braverman's continuing attacks on her (former) colleagues were leading to calls for her to join Reform. They certainly aren't enhancing her chances of leading the Conservatives; but if she wants to lead a political party, a move to Reform won't help her as they have a leader who wouldn't be likely to give place to her.

An adjacent article said Jenrick was emerging as a potential "unity candidate", with popularity among younger Tory voters.

The third article said that Badenoch was "miles ahead" of the competition with 31% against 16% for Braverman and others below that (7% for Jenrick). But she would be the wrong sort of candidate because, although the Tories lost votes to Reform, the seats they need to win are those where they are second to Labour or the Lib Dems, and it's unlikely that a right-wing leader will gain many votes from either of those parties. A lot was being said by people like Rees-Mogg, as the results were coming in, that the Tories should have adopted more right-wing policies. But they will need to take time to decide where they believe they should stand, and develop appropriate policies, before they have a chance of convincing the electorate (assuming that no external disasters intervene), and a right-wing candidate chosen as a knee-jerk reaction to last week's losses will probably make them less rather than more electable.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Reminds me of 1997 all over again. William Hague was the right choice at the time but with the Labour Landslide there was no chance he would be PM as (not relying on hindsight) Blair was in for a minimum of 2 terms. Then IDS - then finally Cameron.

I think the same this time. Conservatives will go through a minimum of 2 leaders before they win again if ever.

 

[edwin_m]

Reminds me of 1997 all over again. William Hague was the right choice at the time but with the Labour Landslide there was no chance he would be PM as (not relying on hindsight) Blair was in for a minimum of 2 terms. Then IDS - then finally Cameron.

Michael Howard had a go too.

On checking this in Wikipedia, I noticed that the Tories have has as many leaders in 60 years or so since Alec Douglas Hume as in the 130 years before him back to Robert Peel.

 

[Busaholic]

Michael Howard had a go too.

On checking this in Wikipedia, I noticed that the Tories have has as many leaders in 60 years or so since Alec Douglas Hume as in the 130 years before him back to Robert Peel.

Howard was 'anointed' i.e. unopposed by other candidates: it was supposed to be a panacea for their problems, but proved the opposite! What you probably won't find on Wikipedia is the huge piece of research by Private Eye around that time about a sum of money, half a million if memory serves, that Howard allegedly received for unexplained reasons. The story never appeared anywhere else, and wasn't followed up as far as I know,, but neither was the publisher sued, unless the court proceedings were secret.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Johnny Mercer is facing a criminal sentence:

Former veterans' minister Johnny Mercer is facing a potential prison sentence after his application to withhold the names of those who told him about alleged war crimes was rejected by a public inquiry.

Mr Mercer, the former Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor View, repeatedly refused to hand over the names of "multiple officers" who told him about alleged special forces murders in Afghanistan while giving evidence in February.

He told the inquiry at the time: "The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity and I will be doing that with these individuals."

Sir Charles Haddon-Cave said in his ruling: "Integrity requires moral courage to do what is right, even when it may not be popular."

In a previous order, the inquiry's chairman said the consequences of failing to comply without a reasonable excuse would be "a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine".

Mr Mercer then submitted an application to the inquiry on 3 April, in which he said he was unable to comply with the order and it was not reasonable for him to comply with it.

'Protector of whistleblowers'
He later accused the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan of "ignoring pretty serious evidence" in order to "fixate" on pressuring him to hand over the names.

In his ruling, Sir Charles said Mr Mercer told the inquiry he was a "protector of whistleblowers".

"He chose publicly, however, to disclose that friends told him about allegations of unlawful killings by (special forces) in Afghanistan," he said.

"He has since refused to disclose the names to assist the inquiry, even though: the inquiry was set up for the very purpose of looking into these allegations; he says that that his friends were merely witnesses; he could pass on their names to the inquiry privately and in strict confidence; he accepts that the inquiry protects the identities of confidential contacts; and they have protection from risk of prosecution for breach of the Official Secrets Act or failure to report misconduct."

An inquiry spokeswoman added: "Mr Mercer is refusing to disclose information which may be important to a public inquiry which is seeking to establish the truth about grave allegations of multiple murder involving UK Special Forces.

"Mr Mercer accepts the inquiry has secure measures in place to protect the names and identities of his sources and that witnesses coming forward to the inquiry have protection from risk of prosecution for breaches of the Official Secrets Act or for failure to report misconduct."

Mr Mercer now has until 25 July to hand over the names to the inquiry.

Johnny Mercer could face sentence for withholding names - BBC News

The former MP is refusing to disclose to a public inquiry who told him about alleged war crimes.

www.bbc.co.uk

So it begins...

 

[GRALISTAIR]

What I am trying to say is that the next Tory Leader will in effect be a sacrificial lamb.

 

[simonw]

What I am trying to say is that the next Tory Leader will in effect be a sacrificial lamb.

Correct, the next Tory PM may very well not be a current MP.

 

[joieman]

He's wasted as an MP to be honest. I want him to become a celebrity chef and share some of his amazing 30p meal ideas.

Ah, yes, 30p Lee, as my mother calls him. I'm surprised he actually won.